Best Dog Treats: Top 5 Healthy Snacks For Your Pup In 2023 Most Recommended By Experts -

Dogs are our loyal companions. So of course it’s only natural to want to reward them with treats. Dog treats can also be a useful tool when it comes to positive reinforcement training. Of course, you also want to make sure you’re using the best dog treats that are healthiest and best tasting for your beloved pet — and also runs a low risk of choking.

According to one recent study, the average dog understands about 89 words and phrases. Many of the words our dogs comprehend are commands. However, 52 percent of dogs in a different study reacted to hearing the terms ‘treat’ or ‘cookie’ specifically. Notably, 20 percent of the vocabulary dogs understand is treat-based, according to owners surveyed.

Treat training can be a great way to motivate your dog to learn the basics. Dog treats come in all flavors, shapes and sizes, depending on the age and breed of your four-legged companion. Another study found pets may actually get smarter with age. That means you can teach an old dog new tricks! So what are some of the best dog treats on the market today?

StudyFinds compiled a list of the most recommended dog treats from ten expert websites, in hopes of helping you find the best snack for your canine. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations for the best dog treats in the comments below!

The List: Best Dog Treats, According to Expert Reviews

1. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Dog Treats

Zuke’s Mini Naturals topped Good Housekeeping’s list of the ‘10 Best Dog Treats That Will Have Your Pet Drooling’, adding, “Something about these treats entices pups of all sizes and breeds. Good Housekeeping also notes, “these treats are great for training and rewards due to their strong smell and small size.”

According to Popular Science, “the mini treats are the ideal size to put in your jacket pocket or training pouch while you head outdoors for continued training.” They crowned Zuke’s Mini Naturals ‘Best Overall’ on its list of ‘Best Dog Training Treats’.

This low-calorie treat option comes in six different flavors, but beware, their scent is more appealing to dogs than humans.

2. Wellness Puppy Bites

“The bite-sized treats (which are available in soft and crunchy varieties) contain no meat by-products or traces of corn, soy, or wheat gluten, and are utterly free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives,” points out Mental Floss.

The soft variety (lamb & salmon flavor), are simple and nutritious snack squares for puppies to nibble on. “They are about the size of a nickel and can easily be torn into tinier pieces for training,” adds The Spruce Pets.

“Furthermore, they contain DHA and omega-3 fatty acids, which help with dogs’ muscle and mind development,” notes Architectural Digest.

The crunchy version comes in a chicken & carrots recipe.

3. Greenies Original Regular Dental Dog Treats

“These treats are made from natural ingredients and contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They help fight plaque and tartar build-up and are designed to clean down to the gumline,” according to Canine Journal.

“Paws down, they’re one of the best dog treats out there for dental hygiene,” adds Reader’s Digest.

Greenies are available in a variety of sizes, depending on your dog’s breed.

4. Ziwi Peak Good Dog Rewards Training Treats

Discover Magazine notes these treats are “bursting with flavor (beef, lamb, or venison), and they’re both nutritious and delectable. They’ve been handmade by a small team of dedicated and skilled workers in New Zealand, using meat raised on pasture.”

These treats can also be beneficial when it comes to your dog’s mobility.

“The ingredients are 96-percent free-range lamb, New Zealand green mussels, and organic kelp (a seaweed superfood). Plus, the tripe included in the treats provides natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help with creaky joints,” according to Reader’s Digest.

5. Stewart Pro-Treat Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats

“Made with a single ingredient — 100% pure beef liver — these Stewart Pro-Treat Freeze-Dried Liver Treats are a favorite among dogs and their owners. These treats are freeze-dried to preserve the nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients as well as their natural flavor and aroma,” notes Insider.

“The treats are solid cubes, so they won’t crumble in your pocket during a training session,” adds Your Best Digs.

Honorable Mention: Milk-Bone Small Bones

This article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Milk-Bone. Our family dog Chance, is obsessed with the peanut butter ones. Available in a variety of flavors, Canine Journal calls them the ‘Best Dog Treats For Small Dogs’, adding, “The crunchy texture helps remove plaque and tartar build-up as well as freshen your dog’s breath.”

Something to keep in mind, certain Milk-Bone varieties do contain dyes.

Happy treating!